Two for two!
When looking at the list of upgrades for 2009, one quickly realizes that the Eclipse GT-P gets more love than the base model. As a matter of fact, it's the one that receives standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, new 10-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels as well as Stability and Traction Control.

GT-P models sport new 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

Having said that, the Eclipse GS is still very enticing, starting with the familiar 162-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine, which delivers pretty decent performance and reasonable fuel economy. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission or, optionally, a 4-speed Sportronic autobox.

Meanwhile, the 2009 GT-P boasts the same 3.8L V6; however, output is up by 2 horsepower to 265. This mill allows you to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds sharp and overtake slower cars with sustained enthusiasm. Torque steer under acceleration can be quite overwhelming, though, especially on a loose surface. The 6-speed manual gearbox is nicely calibrated and pleasant to manipulate. A 5-speed Sportronic transmission is optional here.

Status quo inside
The interior layout remains unchanged for 2009. Two adults will find adequate comfort in this 2+2 type of car. Let's face it: despite Mitsubishi's claim that the Eclipse is a four-seater, no one in their right mind will want to sit in the back, all the more so if the driver or front passenger is a tall folk who demands a fair share of space.

Besides, you don't buy a car like the Eclipse if you want to take your wife, kids and mother-in-law to church on Sunday. Rather, it's a matter of hitting the open road and enjoying what the country has to offer. Of course, it's also about wanting to stand out from the crowd. Even the Hunchback of Notre-Dame would turn heads while at the wheel of this Mitsubishi.

The 3.8L V6's output is up by two horsepower to 265.